Campral (acamprosate calcium)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Acamprosate calcium, a homotaurine analog, interacts with glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter systems in the CNS.
Acamprosate calcium is a synthetic homotaurine derivative and is structurally related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
While the precise mechanism of action of acamprosate in the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol ingestion remains to be determined, the drug decreases glutamatergic transmission and modulates neuronal hyperexcitability during withdrawal from alcohol. Acamprosate reduces voluntary intake of alcohol in alcohol-dependent animals. Acamprosate did not exhibit anticonvulsant, antidepressant, or anxiolytic activity in animal studies.
Administration of acamprosate was not associated with the development of tolerance or dependence in animal studies. Acamprosate is not known to cause alcohol aversion. Ingestion of alcohol by individuals receiving acamprosate therapy does not result in a disulfiram-like reaction.
Acamprosate is eliminated principally in urine as unchanged drug. The drug is not metabolized in the liver. Acamprosate does not induce cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes 1A2 or 3A4, nor does it inhibit CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4.
USES: This medication is used along with counseling and support to help people who are alcohol dependent not drink alcohol. Acamprosate works by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). Before starting this medication, you should no longer be drinking alcohol.
Acamprosate has not been shown to work well if you are still drinking alcohol when you start taking it.
Generic name: acamprosate calcium
Pronunciation: (a-KAM-proe-sate KAL-see-um)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Campral
Indications
The following indications are listed for Campral:
- Alcohol Use Disorder
Also known as: Alcohol Addiction, Alcohol Dependence, Alcoholism.
Dosing
The recommended dosage of acamprosate calcium for maintenance of abstinence from alcohol ingestion in adults with normal renal function (creatinine clearance exceeding 50 mL/minute) is 666 mg 3 times daily. A lower dosage (1.3 g daily given in 3 unequally divided doses of 666, 333, and 333 mg each) also was evaluated in clinical studies and may be effective in some patients.
Therapy with acamprosate should be initiated as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawal, when the patient has achieved abstinence from alcohol ingestion. Therapy with acamprosate can be continued even if the patient relapses.
Acamprosate calcium can be administered orally without regard to meals. However, for patients who regularly eat 3 meals a day, administration of the drug with meals may improve compliance.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
Safety profile in patients receiving acamprosate in conjunction with anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives (including benzodiazepines), or nonopiate analgesics in clinical studies was similar to that in patients receiving these drugs with placebo.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to acamprosate or any ingredient in the formulation.
Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute).
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in 5% or more of patients receiving acamprosate and more frequently than placebo include diarrhea and asthenia.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 18 years of age. Acamprosate has been evaluated in a limited number of adolescents 16-19 years of age.
Category C. (See Users Guide.)
Acamprosate is distributed into milk in rats; caution if used in nursing women.
Experience in those 65 years of age or older insufficient to determine whether they respond differently than younger adults.
Pharmacokinetics not evaluated in geriatric individuals. Because geriatric patients frequently have decreased renal function, plasma concentrations of acamprosate are expected to be higher in geriatric individuals than in younger adults. Select drug dosage carefully. Consider monitoring renal function.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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